Factors contributing to High School Drop out Rates among Female Teenagers aged 13-19 years in Logiri Sub-County, Arua District. A Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract

 Background: 

The purpose of the study was to determine individual, socio-economic, and school-based factors towards school dropout rates among female teenagers aged (13-19 years) in Logiri Sub-county, Arua District.

Methodology:

The study employed a cross-sectional study design for both qualitative and quantitative data targeting a sample of 50 teenage girls aged 13-19 years using simple random sampling as a sampling tool and semi-structured questionnaires as data collection tools. Data were analyzed manually and presented in tables and figures using micro soft excel.

Results:

The study results individually showed that; (98%) of respondents heard about going to schools, (56%) of respondents had no interest in studies, (78%) of respondents stopped with studies in p5-p6, (and 46%) of respondents valued education as somehow useful, (88%) of respondents were not aware of the impact of not studying, (40%) of respondents perceived education somehow relevant and (42%) of respondents suffered from serious illnesses. 

Conclusion: 

Therefore, the researcher concluded that girls lost interest in studies, had a low perception of the value of education, illnesses, absenteeism, early marriage, and teenage pregnancy, reduced perception of the value of education, high dropout rates of colleagues, long distances, poor performances in some subjects, inadequate counseling and guidance and attitude of teachers were the major factors contributing to high school female teenage dropout rates.

 Recommendation: 

The researcher recommended that the ministry of education should establish more schools in sub-counties to reduce distance, carry out nationwide sensitization of the community members on the importance of sending girls to school, provide requirements, and give necessary counseling both at home and school.